Derry Township Preemption violation

[gooseSA40]

I completed a quick search and didn't find anything, plus I'm looking at possibly purchasing a home within the township.

Here are the park rules:
http://www.derrytownship.org/images/.../parkrules.pdf

I wasn't aware that only retired LEO's could obtain this magical permit....

Park and Receration Website - http://www.derrytownship.org/index.p...s-a-recreation
Township Code Authorizing rules - http://www.ecode360.com/11769887

I will find some time this weekend to draft a simple letter requesting compliance with 6120.

Would be it best to start with the Director of P and R before contacting the supervisors?

[FNG19]

I will find some time this weekend to draft a simple letter requesting compliance with 6120.

If you'd like help tightening the text up, feel free to PM me.

Would be it best to start with the Director of P and R before contacting the supervisors?

Go right to the supervisors, but if you'd like to CC the Director, that would not be inappropriate. The Director can't change township ordinances, so as a first point of contact, it doesn't make sense.

[gooseSA40]

With the help of FNG on draft #1... Here is draft #2.

I have not been able to find an email address for Jon Yost, who is the solicitor.


Dear Chairman Abruzzo and Vice-Chair Fedeli,

I recently visited Shank and Bullfrog Valley parks, and had a great time. However in reviewing the current park rules, I found a rule that does not appear to comply with state law.

“Appendix A (“Park Rules and Regulations”), Section 4.3” restricts and prohibits specific activities regarding firearms within the township parks. However, Pa CS Title 18 Section 6120(a) clearly states that only the State may regulate “the lawful ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition components". I have provided links to both the park rules and Section 6120(a). http://www.derrytownship.org/images/.../parkrules.pdf
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI...1.020.000..HTM

I respectfully request the Board address this issue by amending the park rules to bring them into compliance with state law. Thank you for your time and I look forward to your response.

Regards,

[Justin///M]

Good luck, keep us posted!

Justin

[gooseSA40]

I finally heard back. It is somewhat promising, but it isn’t resolved until it is actually fixed.

Here was Chris’s response:

Chad: we have asked our solicitor for an opinion and we will take action based on his legal advice. We should have a decision this week. I am not sure how this ordinance made it into our township code, but it does seem to contradict state law. I will let you know what course of action we take as soon as it is decided. Thanks for your patience,

What would be an appropriate time frame to inquire about an update? A month?

[Statkowski]

What would be an appropriate time frame to inquire about an update? A month?

Attend the next council meeting and find out.

[Moosefraba]

Was there ever any response after the fact? I see they issued a letter saying they would 'bring it up' but did they? I would think the only thing that would work is a mass amount of letters to change the townships illegal code. What other townships enforce this?